Explore Everyday Health

Lecithin

What Is Lecithin?

Lecithin is a fat that can be found in many foods like soybeans and egg yolks. It is also known as Egg Lecithin, Lecitina, Ovolecithin, Soy Lecithin, Soy Phospholipid, Soybean Lecithin, Vegilecithin, Vitellin, Vitelline, and other names.

Lecithin has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating liver disease.

Lecithin has also been used to treat gallbladder disease, dementia related to Alzheimer's disease, age related loss of memory, and head injuries. However, research has shown that lecithin may not be effective in treating these conditions.

Other uses not proven with research have included high cholesterol, manic-depressive disorder, dermatitis, improvement of athletic performance, Parkinson's disease, stress, insomnia, and other conditions.

It is not certain whether lecithin is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Lecithin should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Lecithin is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Lecithin may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before using lecithin, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use lecithin if you have certain medical conditions.

It is not known whether lecithin will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether lecithin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

Lecithin Interactions

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Other drugs may interact with lecithin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Do not take lecithin without medical advice if you are using any of the following medications:

topical diclofenac (Voltaren Gel).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with lecithin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.

Lecithin Dosage

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use lecithin, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Do not use different formulations of lecithin (such as tablets, liquids, and others) at the same time, unless specifically directed to do so by a health care professional. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with lecithin does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra lecithin to make up the missed dose.

Lecithin FAQ

Q: What is lecithin used for?

A: Lecithin is a source of choline which is important for a variety of functions in the body. It has been used traditionally for high cholesterol, liver problems, acne, pancreatic issues, and tardive dykinesia (a movement disorder). There are varying degrees of evidence to support these uses. Keep in mind that although many supplements make dramatic claims, their manufacturers aren't required by law to prove they work. Visit the following link for helpful information about how to choose supplements wisely: //www.everydayhealth.com/alternative-health/healing-therapies/dietary-supplements.aspx Pharmacist Sarah, PharmD

Q: Does lecithin lower blood pressure?

A: Lecithin is found in the cells of living organisms and is required for proper biological functions. Food sources of lecithin include beef liver, steak, eggs, peanuts, cauliflower, and oranges. Lecithin is also used for its emulsifying properties in many different types of products, including foods, drugs, and cosmetics. Medically, lecithin has been used for the treatment of high cholesterol levels, neurologic disorders, and liver problems. Some researchers are also looking at lecithin to modify the immune system. Side effects of lecithin are rare and typically involve the gastrointestinal tract, such as decreased appetite, nausea, increased salivation, and hepatitis. There is no information to suggest that lecithin has an effect on blood pressure. For more specific information, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance based on your health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action. Michelle McDermott, PharmD

About Drugs A-Z

Drugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place. Cerner Multum™ provides the data within some of the Basics, Side Effects, Interactions, and Dosage tabs. The information within the Reviews and FAQ tabs is proprietary to Everyday Health.

You can browse Drugs A-Z for a specific prescription or over-the-counter drug or look up drugs based on your specific condition. This information is for educational purposes only, and not meant to provide medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Remember to always consult your physician or health care provider before starting, stopping, or altering a treatment or health care regimen.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by on this page is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. The information on this page has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore neither Everyday Health or its licensor warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Neither Everyday Health nor its licensors endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. The drug information above is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Neither Everyday Health nor its licensor assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of the information provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have any questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.